Energy storing engine

ABSTRACT

The mechanization of a hot air engine cycle consisting of constant temperature compression, heat added from regeneration at constant pressure, energy stored, heat added at constant volume, adiabatic expansion, stored energy used, adiabatic expansion, and heat rejected to regeneration. Constant temperature compression is achieved by using a multi-stage-intercooled compressor. Heat is added at constant pressure by means of an exhaust gas to compressed air heat exchanger. Energy is stored in the compressed air tank. Heat is added at constant volume by means of a two-piston arrangement in the expansion cylinder. Adiabatic expansion takes place. Energy from storage is used. Adiabatic expansion takes place all the way to ambient pressure. The displacement of the resulting engine can be varied while the engine is running. The engine has dynamic braking by means of an alternator charging a battery. The battery power is used to drive a compressor.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of Invention

The present invention relates to a reciprocating, internal combustion engine with a multistage intercooled compressor, a heat exchanger, an energy storing chamber, and an energy storing expander.

2. Description of Prior Art

The ways to improve the most popular engine in use today are 1. Separating the compression from the expansion process, 2. Compressing at almost constant temperature, 3. Saving the exhaust heat and using it to heat the compressed air, 4. Changing the engine displacement to match the load while the engine runs, and 5. Storing the hot compressed air so that heat can be added at constant volume. 6. Recovering the energy of the stored air. 7. Using a dynamic brake to slow the load and using the power to compress air into a storage tank.

The first three ways, separating the compression from the expansion process, compressing at almost constant temperature, and saving the exhaust heat and using it to heat the compressed air, are the subjects of U.S. Pat. No. 3,708,979 to Bush et al. (1973), U.S. Pat. No. 4,040,400 to Kiener (1977), U.S. Pat. No. 4,333,424 to McFee (1982), and U.S. Pat. No. 4,476,821 to Robinson et al (1984).

Changing the engine displacement to match the load while the engine runs, storing the hot compressed air so that heat can be added at constant volume, recovering the energy of the stored air. and using a dynamic brake to slow the load and using the power to compress air into a storage tank, are the subject of this patent.

SUMMARY

The present invention is an approximate mechanization of a hot air engine cycle comprising constant temperature compression, heat added from regeneration at constant pressure, energy stored, heat added at constant volume, adiabatic expansion, stored energy used, adiabatic expansion, heat rejected to regeneration, and heat rejected from cooling compression. Approximate constant temperature compression is achieved by using a multi-stage-intercooled compressor. Heat is added at constant pressure by means of an exhaust gas to compressed air heat exchanger. Energy is stored in a spring and compressed air. Heat is added at constant volume. Approximate constant volume is achieved by keeping the power piston close to the top of the expansion cylinder. Adiabatic expansion takes place. Stored energy is used for expansion. Adiabatic expansion can take place all the way to ambient pressure. The four methods to keep the power piston at the top of the expansion cylinder are: a pressurized telescoping connecting rod with synchronized lock in the cylinder, a cam, a pusher piston, and a wobble plate. The displacement of the resulting engine can be varied while the engine is running by a variable stop limiting the travel of a movable wall in an energy storing chamber. The engine has dynamic braking by means of a compressor pushing air into a storage tank, an alternator charging a battery, or an inertial device. The battery power or inertial power is used later to drive a compressor. Energy is stored by a spring moving cold compressed air out of energy storage chamber and allowing hot compressed air into an energy storage chamber. An alternative method is the hot compressed air coming into the energy storage chamber compresses cold air above movable wall in the energy storage chamber.

OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES

The “Energy Storing Engine” has the following advantages:

It changes its size, that is the amount of air processed each stroke, while the engine is operating.

It can operate at constant speed with a varying load

It operates on a very efficient thermodynamic cycle.

It operates with more than or less than complete expansion.

Heat is added to the compressed air at constant volume so that more work can be done with the heat that is added.

It changes the amount of air expanded by the engine to match the engine power to the load requirements.

When the load slows down it saves the inertia work and reuses it.

It is quiet.

The compression and the expansion volumes are separated. The heat from one does not effect the other.

DRAWING FIGURES

FIG. 1 shows preferred embodiment of the engine with a telescoping connecting rod 23

FIG. 2 shows the first alternate embodiment of the engine. It is the preferred embodiment of this invention with approximate constant volume expansion achieved by keeping the power piston 14 close to the top of the expansion cylinder 12 using push rod 29 and cam 28 to move it to the top and to keep it there until pusher piston 15 catches up

FIG. 3 shows the second alternate embodiment of the engine. It is the preferred embodiment of this invention with approximate constant volume expansion achieved by keeping the power piston 14 close to the top of the expansion cylinder 12 using telescoping connecting rod 23 to move it to the top and to keep it near there until pusher piston 15 catches up

FIG. 4 shows the third alternate embodiment of the engine. It is the preferred embodiment of this invention with approximate constant volume expansion achieved by keeping the power piston 14 close to the top of the expansion cylinder 12 using wobble plate 30.

FIG. 5 shows the fourth alternate embodiment of the engine. It is the preferred embodiment of this invention with the energy stored in trapped compressed air.

FIG. 6 shows the fifth alternate embodiment of the engine. It is the preferred embodiment of this invention with variable speed transmission 27 replaced with another energy-storing expander 2.

FIG. 7 shows the sixth alternate embodiment of the engine. It is the preferred embodiment of this invention with variable speed transmission 27 replaced with electric motor 33 powered by battery 34 that is charged by alternator 35 powered through clutch A 44.

FIG. 8 shows the seventh alternate embodiment of the engine. It is the preferred embodiment of this invention with the addition of clutch A 44, electric motor 33, battery 34, alternator 35, pre-compressor 36, pre-compressor valve 37, high pressure compressed air storage tank 38, storage tank selector valve 39, high pressure check valve 40, and cooler 41.

FIG. 9 shows the eighth alternate embodiment of the engine. It is the preferred embodiment of this invention with the addition of electric motor 33, battery 34, alternator 35, high pressure compressed air storage tank 38, storage tank selector valve 39, post-compressor 42, clutch A 44, and cooler 41.

FIG. 10 shows the ninth alternate embodiment of the engine. It is the preferred embodiment of this invention with the addition of flywheel 43, pre-compressor 36, pre-compressor valve 37, high pressure compressed air storage tank 38, storage tank selector valve 39, high pressure check valve 40, clutch A 44, clutch B 45, and cooler 41.

FIG. 11 shows the tenth alternate embodiment of this invention. It is the preferred embodiment of this invention with the addition of flywheel 43, clutch A 44, clutch B 45, high pressure compressed air storage tank 38, storage tank selector valve 39, post-compressor 42, and cooler 41.

REFERENCE NUMERALS IN DRAWINGS

-   2 energy-storing expander -   3 air inlet -   4 multi-stage-intercooled compressor -   5 compressed air storage tank -   6 heat exchanger -   7 heat exchanger high-pressure side -   8 heat exchanger low-pressure side -   9 inlet valve -   10 stop -   11 movable wall -   12 expansion cylinder -   13 spring -   14 power piston -   15 pusher piston -   16 stop position controller -   17 exit valve -   18 fuel injector -   19 energy storage chamber -   20 igniter -   21 load -   22 lock -   23 telescoping connecting rod -   24 pusher piston connecting rod -   25 telescoping connecting rod crank -   26 power output shaft -   27 variable speed transmission -   28 cam -   29 push rod -   30 wobble plate -   31 pusher piston connecting rod crank -   32 exhaust exit -   33 electric motor -   34 battery -   35 alternator -   36 pre-compressor -   37 pre-compressor valve -   38 high-pressure compressed air storage tank -   39 storage tank selector valve -   40 high pressure check valve -   41 cooler -   42 post-compressor -   43 flywheel -   44 clutch A -   45 clutch B

DESCRIPTION—FIG. 1—Preferred Embodiment

The preferred embodiment of this invention is the mechanization of a hot air engine cycle comprising nearly constant temperature compression, heat added from regeneration at near constant pressure, energy stored, heat added at nearly constant volume, close to adiabatic expansion, stored energy used, close to adiabatic expansion, heat rejected to regeneration.

Air is taken in through air inlet 3, and approximate constant temperature compression is achieved by using multi-stage-intercooled compressor 4. The compressed air is stored in compressed air storage tank 5. Heat is added at constant pressure by heat exchanger 6 with heat exchanger high-pressure side 7 and heat exchanger low-pressure side 8.

The hot compressed air is then used to drive energy-storing expander 2. Energy-storing expander 2 is made up of energy storage chamber 19 and expansion cylinder 12. Energy storage chamber 19 contains inlet valve 9, movable wall 11, spring 13, fuel injector 18, igniter 20, and stop 10. Stop position controller 16 controls the position of stop 10. Expansion cylinder 12 is made up of power piston 14, exit valve 17, lock 22, telescoping connecting rod 23, telescoping connecting rod crank 25, and power output shaft 26.

Approximate constant volume expansion is achieved by keeping the power piston 14 close to the top of the expansion cylinder 12 using telescoping connecting rod 23 to move it to the top and lock 22 to keep it there until the rest of telescoping connecting rod 23 catches up. Telescoping connecting rod 23 is connected to telescoping connecting rod crank 25 on power output shaft 26 that is connected to load 21 and variable speed transmission 27. Variable speed transmission 27 drives multi-stage-intercooled compressor 4. Exit valve 17 allows the exhaust to flow through heat exchanger low-pressure side 8.

The engine has only one each of air inlet 3, multi-stage-intercooled compressor 4, compressed air storage tank 5, heat exchanger 6, variable speed transmission 27 and exhaust exit 32, but it can have many energy-storing expanders 2.

To obtain maximum efficiency a compressor should operate as close to constant temperature as possible. For example, this may be accomplished by using multi-stage-intercooled compressor 4.

The airflow control is shown using check type valves and poppet type valves. These could be replaced with other type flow control devices.

Compressed air storage tank 5 can also be an accumulator.

Although the air coming out of the heat exchanger high-pressure side 7 may be hot enough to ignite the fuel, igniter 20 is shown in all figures because it is needed to start the engine.

OPERATION—FIG. 1—Preferred Embodiment

Air enters the engine through air inlet 3, is compressed in multi-stage-intercooled compressor 4, is stored in compressed air storage tank 5, is heated with heat from the exhaust by heat exchanger 6 as it passes through heat exchanger high-pressure side 7. The resulting hot compressed air drives energy-storing expander 2.

The cycle of energy-storing expander 2 starts with exit valve 17 opening, and the pressure inside telescoping connecting rod 23 pushing power piston 14 to the top of expansion cylinder 12 as telescoping connecting rod crank 25 goes around its bottom travel and starts back up. When power piston 14 reaches the top of expansion cylinder 12 it is kept there by lock 22 which rotates into the lock position. Inlet valve 9 opens.

As the hot compressed air enters energy-storing expander 2 through inlet valve 9, spring 13 moves movable wall 11 until movable wall 11 comes up against stop 10. Stop position controller 16 controls the position of stop 10. Stop 10 controls how far movable wall 11 moves and hence the amount of hot compressed air that goes into energy-storing expander 2. Since stop 10 can be moved while the engine is running, the amount of compressed air used by the engine, and hence the work output of the engine, can be changed as the engine is running.

Near top dead center of telescoping connecting rod crank 25 telescoping connecting rod 23 reaches its short length, lock 22 rotates to the unlocked position, fuel is injected, the mixture is ignited, the pressure in energy storage chamber 19 and the top of expansion cylinder 12 increases, and urges power piston 14 along on its power output stroke. When power piston 14 is part way down on it power output stroke, the force exerted by compressed air on the top of movable wall 11 becomes greater than the pressure force on the bottom of movable wall 11. The stored energy is transferred through the hot air mixture to power piston 14 and further urges power piston 14 down. Spring 13 is stretched and strained. After movable wall 11 reaches the bottom of energy storage chamber 19, the expanding mixture in expansion cylinder 12 continues urging power piston 14 downwards until exit valve 17 opens starting a new cycle.

During part of the above cycle, adjustable stop 10 is moved to allow more or less compressed air into energy storage chamber 19. When more compressed air is let into energy storage chamber 19 more power is produced. When less compressed air is let into energy storage chamber 19 less power is produced.

The inertia from the load slowing down can be used to continue to compress air. As the engine uses less than is compressed, the extra air is stored in compressed air storage tank 5. The extra air that is stored in compressed air storage tank 5 can be used to allow the engine to operate at high power.

DESCRIPTION—FIG. 2—First Alternate Embodiment

The first alternate embodiment of this invention is the preferred embodiment of this invention with approximate constant volume expansion achieved by keeping the power piston 14 close to the top of the expansion cylinder 12 using push rod 29 and cam 28 to move it to the top and to keep it there until pusher piston 15 catches up.

Air is taken in through air inlet 3, and approximate constant temperature compression is achieved by using multi-stage-intercooled compressor 4. The compressed air is stored in compressed air storage tank 5. Heat is added to the compressed air at constant pressure by heat exchanger 6. Heat exchanger 6 is comprised of heat exchanger high-pressure side 7 and heat exchanger low-pressure side 8.

The hot compressed air is then used to drive energy-storing expander 2. Energy-storing expander 2 is made up of energy storage chamber 19 and expansion cylinder 12. Energy storage chamber 19 contains inlet valve 9, movable wall 11, spring 13, fuel injector 18, igniter 20, and stop 10. Stop position controller 16 controls the position of stop 10. Expansion cylinder 12 is made up of power piston 14, pusher piston 15, exit valve 17, pusher piston connecting rod 24, cam 28, push rod 29, and power output shaft 26.

Approximate constant volume expansion is achieved by keeping the power piston 14 close to the top of the expansion cylinder 12 using push rod 29 and cam 28 to move it to the top and to keep it there until pusher piston 15 catches up. Pusher piston 15 is connected to pusher piston connecting rod 24 and pusher piston connecting rod crank 31 on power output shaft 26 that is connected to load 21 and variable speed transmission 27. Variable speed transmission 27 drives multi-stage-intercooled compressor 4. Exit valve 17 allows the exhaust to flow through heat exchanger low-pressure side 8.

The engine has only one each of air inlet 3, multi-stage-intercooled compressor 4, compressed air storage tank 5, heat exchanger 6, variable speed transmission 27 and exhaust exit 32, but it can have many energy-storing expanders 2.

OPERATION—FIG. 2—First Alternate Embodiment

Air enters the engine through air inlet 3, is compressed in multi-stage-intercooled compressor 4, is stored in compressed air storage tank 5, is heated with heat from the exhaust by heat exchanger 6 as it passes through heat exchanger high-pressure side 7. The resulting hot compressed air drives energy-storing expander 2.

The cycle of energy-storing expander 2 starts with exit valve 17 opening, and cam 28 and push rod 29 pushing power piston 14 to the top of expansion cylinder 12 as pusher piston connecting rod crank 31 goes around its bottom travel and starts back up. When power piston 14 reaches the top of expansion cylinder 12 it is kept there by cam 28 and push rod 29. Inlet valve 9 opens.

As the hot compressed air enters energy-storing expander 2 through inlet valve 9, spring 13 moves movable wall 11 until movable wall 11 comes up against stop 10. Stop position controller 16 controls the position of stop 10. Stop 10 controls how far movable wall 11 moves and hence the amount of hot compressed air that goes into energy-storing expander 2. Since stop 10 can be moved while the engine is running, the amount of compressed air used by the engine, and hence the work output of the engine, can be changed as the engine is running.

Near top dead center of pusher piston connecting rod crank 31 pusher piston 15 and power piston 14 come together, fuel is injected, the mixture is ignited, the pressure in energy storage chamber 19 and expansion cylinder 12 increases, and urges power piston 14 and pusher piston 15 along on their power output stroke. When power piston 14 is part way down on it power output stroke, the force exerted by compressed air on the top of movable wall 11 becomes greater than the pressure force on the bottom of movable wall 11. The stored energy is transferred through the hot air mixture to power piston 14 and further urges power piston 14 down. Spring 13 is stretched and strained. After movable wall 11 reaches the bottom of energy storage chamber 19, the expanding mixture in expansion cylinder 12 continues urging power piston 14 downwards until exit valve 17 opens starting a new cycle.

During part of the above cycle, adjustable stop 10 is moved to allow more or less compressed air into energy storage chamber 19. When more compressed air is let into energy storage chamber 19 more power is produced. When less compressed air is let into energy storage chamber 19 less power is produced.

The inertia from the load slowing down can be used to continue to compress air. As the engine uses less than is compressed, the extra air is stored in compressed air storage tank 5. The extra air that is stored in compressed air storage tank 5 can be used to allow the engine to operate at high power.

DESCRIPTION—FIG. 3—Second Alternate Embodiment

The second alternate embodiment of this invention is the preferred embodiment of this invention with approximate constant volume expansion achieved by keeping the power piston 14 close to the top of the expansion cylinder 12 using telescoping connecting rod 23 to move it to the top and to keep it near there until pusher piston 15 catches up

Air is taken in through air inlet 3, and approximate constant temperature compression is achieved by using multi-stage-intercooled compressor 4. The compressed air is stored in compressed air storage tank 5. Heat is added to the compressed air at constant pressure by means of heat exchanger 6. Heat exchanger 6 is comprised of heat exchanger high-pressure side 7 and heat exchanger low-pressure side 8.

The hot compressed air is then used to drive one or more energy-storing expanders 2. Energy-storing expander 2 is made up of energy storage chamber 19 and expansion cylinder 12. Energy storage chamber 19 contains inlet valve 9, movable wall 11, spring 13, fuel injector 18, igniter 20, and stop 10. Stop position controller 16 controls the position of stop 10. Expansion cylinder 12 is made up of power piston 14, pusher piston 15, exit valve 17, telescoping connecting rod 23, pusher piston connecting rod 24, telescoping connecting rod crank 25, pusher piston connecting rod crank 31, and power output shaft 26.

Approximate constant volume expansion is achieved by keeping the power piston 14 close to the top of the expansion cylinder 12 using telescoping connecting rod 23 to move it to the top and to keep it near there until pusher piston 15 catches up. Pusher piston 15 is connected to pusher piston connecting rod 24 and pusher piston connecting rod crank 31 on power output shaft 26 that is connected to load 21 and variable speed transmission 27. Variable speed transmission 27 drives multi-stage-intercooled compressor 4. Exit valve 17 allows the exhaust to flow through heat exchanger low-pressure side 8.

The engine has only one each of air inlet 3, multi-stage-intercooled compressor 4, compressed air storage tank 5, heat exchanger 6, variable speed transmission 27 and exhaust exit 32, but it can have many energy-storing expanders 2.

OPERATION—FIG. 3—Second Alternate Embodiment

Air enters the engine through air inlet 3, is compressed in multi-stage-intercooled compressor 4, is stored in compressed air storage tank 5, is heated with heat from the exhaust by heat exchanger 6 as it passes through heat exchanger high-pressure side 7. The resulting hot compressed air drives energy-storing expander 2.

The cycle of energy-storing expander 2 starts with exit valve 17 opening, and telescoping connecting rod 23 pushing power piston 14 to the top of expansion cylinder 12 as telescoping connecting rod crank 25 having gone around its bottom travel goes back up. When power piston 14 reaches the top of expansion cylinder 12 it is kept near there by telescoping connecting rod 23 until pusher piston 15 catches up. Inlet valve 9 opens.

As the hot compressed air enters energy-storing expander 2 through inlet valve 9, spring 13 moves movable wall 11 until movable wall 11 comes up against stop 10. Stop position controller 16 controls the position of stop 10. Stop 10 controls how far movable wall 11 moves and hence the amount of hot compressed air that goes into energy-storing expander 2. Since stop 10 can be moved while the engine is running, the amount of compressed air used by the engine, and hence the work output of the engine, can be changed as the engine is running.

After telescoping connecting rod crank 25 passes its top dead center and before pusher piston connecting rod crank 31 reaches its top dead center, pusher piston 15 and power piston 14 come together. Power piston 14 moves back up, fuel is injected, the mixture is ignited, the pressure in energy storage chamber 19 and the top of expansion cylinder 12 increases, and urges power piston 14 and pusher piston 15 along on their power output stroke. When power piston 14 is part way down on it power output stroke, the force exerted by compressed air on the top of movable wall 11 becomes greater than the pressure force on the bottom of movable wall 11. The stored energy is transferred through the hot air mixture to power piston 14 and further urges power piston 14 down. Spring 13 is stretched and strained. After movable wall 11 reaches the bottom of energy storage chamber 19, the expanding mixture in expansion cylinder 12 continues urging power piston 14 downwards until exit valve 17 opens starting a new cycle.

During part of the above cycle, adjustable stop 10 is moved to allow more or less compressed air into energy storage chamber 19. When more compressed air is let into energy storage chamber 19 more power is produced. When less compressed air is let into energy storage chamber 19 less power is produced.

The inertia from the load slowing down can be used to continue to compress air. As the engine uses less than is compressed, the extra air is stored in compressed air storage tank 5. The extra air that is stored in compressed air storage tank 5 can be used to allow the engine to operate at high power.

DESCRIPTION—FIG. 4—Third Alternate Embodiment

The third alternate embodiment of this invention is the preferred embodiment of this invention with approximate constant volume expansion achieved by keeping the power piston 14 close to the top of the expansion cylinder 12 using wobble plate 30.

Air is taken in through air inlet 3, and approximate constant temperature compression is achieved by using multi-stage-intercooled compressor 4. The compressed air is stored in compressed air storage tank 5. Heat is added to the compressed air at constant pressure by means of heat exchanger 6. Heat exchanger 6 is comprised of heat exchanger high-pressure side 7 and heat exchanger low-pressure side 8.

The hot compressed air is then used to drive energy-storing expander 2. Energy-storing expander 2 is made up of energy storage chamber 19 and expansion cylinder 12. Energy storage chamber 19 contains inlet valve 9, movable wall 11, spring 13, fuel injector 18, igniter 20, and stop 10. Stop position controller 16 controls the position of stop 10. Expansion cylinder 12 is made up of power piston 14, exit valve 17, push rod 29, wobble plate 30, and power output shaft 26.

Approximate constant volume expansion is achieved by keeping the power piston 14 close to the top of the expansion cylinder 12 using wobble plate 30. Wobble plate 30 is connected to power output shaft 26 that is connected to load 21 and variable speed transmission 27. Variable speed transmission 27 drives multi-stage-intercooled compressor 4. Exit valve 17 allows the exhaust to flow through heat exchanger low-pressure side 8.

The engine has only one each of air inlet 3, multi-stage-intercooled compressor 4, compressed air storage tank 5, heat exchanger 6, variable speed transmission 27 and exhaust exit 32, but it can have many energy-storing expanders 2.

OPERATION—FIG. 4—Third Alternate Embodiment

Air enters the engine through air inlet 3, is compressed in multi-stage-intercooled compressor 4, is stored in compressed air storage tank 5, is heated with heat from the exhaust by heat exchanger 6 as it passes through heat exchanger high-pressure side 7. The resulting hot compressed air drives energy-storing expander 2.

The cycle of energy-storing expander 2 starts with exit valve 17 opening, and wobble plate 30 pushing power piston 14 to the top of expansion cylinder 12. When power piston 14 reaches the top of expansion cylinder 12 it is kept near there by wobble plate 30. Inlet valve 9 opens.

As the hot compressed air enters energy-storing expander 2 through inlet valve 9, spring 13 moves movable wall 11 until movable wall 11 comes up against stop 10. Stop position controller 16 controls the position of stop 10. Stop 10 controls how far movable wall 11 moves and hence the amount of hot compressed air that goes into energy-storing expander 2. Since stop 10 can be moved while the engine is running, the amount of compressed air used by the engine, and hence the work output of the engine, can be changed as the engine is running.

Near top dead center of power piston 14, fuel is injected, the mixture is ignited, the pressure in energy storage chamber 19 and the top of expansion cylinder 12 increases, and urges power piston 14 along on its power output stroke. When power piston 14 is part way down on it power output stroke, the force exerted by compressed air on the top of movable wall 11 becomes greater than the pressure force on the bottom of movable wall 11. The stored energy is transferred through the hot air mixture to power piston 14 and further urges power piston 14 down. Spring 13 is stretched and strained. After movable wall 11 reaches the bottom of energy storage chamber 19, the expanding mixture in expansion cylinder 12 continues urging power piston 14 downwards until exit valve 17 opens starting a new cycle.

During part of the above cycle, adjustable stop 10 is moved to allow more or less compressed air into energy storage chamber 19. When more compressed air is let into energy storage chamber 19 more power is produced. When less compressed air is let into energy storage chamber 19 less power is produced.

The inertia from the load slowing down can be used to continue to compress air. As the engine uses less than is compressed, the extra air is stored in compressed air storage tank 5. The extra air that is stored in compressed air storage tank 5 can be used to allow the engine to operate at high power.

DESCRIPTION—FIG. 5—Fourth Alternate Embodiment

The fourth alternate embodiment of this invention is the preferred embodiment of this invention with the energy stored in trapped compressed air.

Air is taken in through air inlet 3, and approximate constant temperature compression is achieved by using multi-stage-intercooled compressor 4. The compressed air is stored in compressed air storage tank 5. Heat is added to the compressed air at constant pressure by means of heat exchanger 6. Heat exchanger 6 is comprised of heat exchanger high-pressure side 7 and heat exchanger low-pressure side 8. The energy is stored in trapped compressed air above movable wall 11 in energy storage chamber 19. Energy storage chamber 19 also contains inlet valve 9, fuel injector 18, igniter 20, and stop 10. Stop position controller 16 controls the position of stop 10.

Approximate constant volume expansion is achieved by keeping the power piston 14 close to the top of the expansion cylinder 12 using telescoping connecting rod 23 to move it to the top and lock 22 to keep it there until the rest of telescoping connecting rod 23 catches up. Telescoping connecting rod 23 is connected to telescoping connecting rod crank 25 on power output shaft 26 that is connected to load 21 and variable speed transmission 27. Variable speed transmission 27 drives multi-stage-intercooled compressor 4. Exit valve 17 allows the exhaust to flow through heat exchanger low-pressure side 8.

The engine has only one each of air inlet 3, multi-stage-intercooled compressor 4, compressed air storage tank 5, heat exchanger 6, variable speed transmission 27 and exhaust exit 32, but it can have many energy-storing expanders 2.

OPERATION—FIG. 5—Fourth Alternate Embodiment

Air enters the engine through air inlet 3, is compressed in multi-stage-intercooled compressor 4, is stored in compressed air storage tank 5, is heated with heat from the exhaust by heat exchanger 6 as it passes through heat exchanger high-pressure side 7. The resulting hot compressed air drives energy-storing expander 2.

The cycle of energy-storing expander 2 starts with exit valve 17 opening, and the pressure inside telescoping connecting rod 23 pushing power piston 14 to the top of expansion cylinder 12 as telescoping connecting rod crank 25 goes around its bottom travel and starts back up. When power piston 14 reaches the top of expansion cylinder 12 it is kept there by lock 22 which rotates into the lock position. Inlet valve 9 opens.

As the hot compressed air enters energy-storing expander 2 through inlet valve 9, it moves movable wall 11 up against stop 10. At the same time the entering air compresses trapped air above movable wall 11. Stop position controller 16 controls the position of stop 10. Stop 10 controls how far movable wall 11 moves and hence the amount of hot compressed air that goes into energy-storing expander 2. Since stop 10 can be moved while the engine is running, the amount of compressed air used by the engine, and hence the work output of the engine, can be changed as the engine is running.

Near top dead center of telescoping connecting rod crank 25 telescoping connecting rod 23 reaches its short length, lock 22 rotates to the unlocked position, fuel is injected, the mixture is ignited, the pressure in energy storage chamber 19 and the top of expansion cylinder 12 increases, and urges power piston 14 along on its power output stroke. When power piston 14 is part way down on it power output stroke, the force exerted by trapped compressed air on the top of movable wall 11 becomes greater than the pressure force on the bottom of movable wall 11. The stored energy is transferred through the hot air mixture to power piston 14 and further urges power piston 14 down. After movable wall 11 reaches the bottom of energy storage chamber 19, the expanding mixture in expansion cylinder 12 continues urging power piston 14 downwards until exit valve 17 opens starting a new cycle.

During part of the above cycle, adjustable stop 10 is moved to allow more or less compressed air into energy storage chamber 19. When more compressed air is let into energy storage chamber 19 more power is produced. When less compressed air is let into energy storage chamber 19 less power is produced.

The inertia from the load slowing down can be used to continue to compress air. As the engine uses less than is compressed, the extra air is stored in compressed air storage tank 5. The extra air that is stored in compressed air storage tank 5 can be used to allow the engine to operate at high power.

DESCRIPTION—FIG. 6—Fifth Alternate Embodiment

The fifth alternate embodiment of this invention is the preferred embodiment of this invention with variable speed transmission 27 replaced with another energy-storing expander 2.

OPERATION—FIG. 6—Fifth Alternate Embodiment

The fifth alternate embodiment of the invention operates the same as the preferred embodiment of the invention with multi-stage-intercooled compressor 4 driven by another energy-storing expander 2 instead of variable speed transmission 27.

Air enters the engine through air inlet 3, is compressed in multi-stage-intercooled compressor 4, is stored in compressed air storage tank 5, is heated with heat from the exhaust by heat exchanger 6 as it passes through heat exchanger high-pressure side 7. The resulting hot compressed air drives energy-storing expanders 2.

DESCRIPTION—FIG. 7—Sixth Alternate Embodiment

The sixth alternate embodiment of this invention is the preferred embodiment of this invention with variable speed transmission 27 replaced with electric motor 33 powered by battery 34 that is charged by alternator 35 powered through clutch A 44.

OPERATION—FIG. 7—Sixth Alternate Embodiment

The sixth alternate embodiment of the invention operates the same as the preferred embodiment of the invention with multi-stage-intercooled compressor 4 driven by electric motor 33 powered by battery 34 that is charged by alternator 35.

Air enters the engine through air inlet 3, is compressed in multi-stage-intercooled compressor 4, is stored in compressed air storage tank 5, is heated with heat from the exhaust by heat exchanger 6 as it passes through heat exchanger high-pressure side 7. The resulting hot compressed air drives energy-storing expanders 2.

Load 21 when slowing down operates clutch A 44 and drives alternator 35 that charges battery 34.

DESCRIPTION—FIG. 8—Seventh Alternate Embodiment

The seventh alternate embodiment of this invention is the preferred embodiment of this invention with the addition of clutch A 44, electric motor 33, battery 34, alternator 35, pre-compressor 36, pre-compressor valve 37, high pressure compressed air storage tank 38, storage tank selector valve 39, high pressure check valve 40, and cooler 41.

OPERATION—FIG. 8—Seventh Alternate Embodiment

The seventh alternate embodiment of the invention operates the same as the preferred embodiment of the invention except that when it slows down clutch A 44 drives alternator 35 that charges battery 34. Thereafter, when extra power is needed electric motor 33 runs pre-compressor 36, and pre-compressor valve 37 switches the input of multi-stage-intercooled compressor 4 to the output of cooler 41. At the same time storage tank selector valve 39 switches the input of heat exchanger high-pressure side 7 from compressed air storage tank 5 to high-pressure compressed air storage tank 38.

High pressure check valve 40 keeps the high pressure compressed air in high-pressure compressed air storage tank 38 when energy-storing expander 2 is using lower pressure.

During normal operation air enters the engine through air inlet 3, is compressed in multi-stage-intercooled compressor 4, stored in compressed air storage tank 5, and heated with heat from the exhaust by heat exchanger 6 as it passes through heat exchanger high-pressure side 7. The resulting hot compressed air drives energy-storing expanders 2. When the engine slows down it runs alternator 35 that charges battery 34.

During high performance operation air enters the engine and is compressed in pre-compressor 36, cooled in cooler 41, compressed further in multi-stage-intercooled compressor 4, stored in high-pressure compressed air storage tank 38, and heated with heat from the exhaust by heat exchanger 6 as it passes through heat exchanger high-pressure side 7. The resulting hot high-pressure compressed air drives energy-storing expanders 2.

DESCRIPTION—FIG. 9—Eighth Alternate Embodiment

The eighth alternate embodiment of this invention is the preferred embodiment of this invention with the addition of electric motor 33, battery 34, alternator 35, high pressure compressed air storage tank 38, storage tank selector valve 39, high pressure check valve 40, post-compressor 42, clutch A 44, and cooler 41.

OPERATION—FIG. 9—Eighth Alternate Embodiment

The eighth alternate embodiment of the invention operates the same as the preferred embodiment of the invention except that when it slows down activates clutch A 44 that drives alternator 35 that charges battery 34. Thereafter, when extra power is needed electric motor 33 runs post-compressor 42. At the same time storage tank selector valve 39 switches the input of heat exchanger high-pressure side 7 from compressed air storage tank 5 to high-pressure compressed air storage tank 38.

During normal operation air enters the engine through air inlet 3, is compressed in multi-stage-intercooled compressor 4, stored in compressed air storage tank 5, and heated with heat from the exhaust by heat exchanger 6 as it passes through heat exchanger high-pressure side 7. The resulting hot compressed air drives energy-storing expanders 2. When the engine slows down it runs alternator 35 that charges battery 34.

During high performance operation air enters the engine through air inlet 3, is compressed in multi-stage-intercooled compressor 4, cooled in cooler 41, compressed further in post-compressor 42, stored in high-pressure compressed air storage tank 38, and heated with heat from the exhaust by heat exchanger 6 as it passes through heat exchanger high-pressure side 7. The resulting hot high-pressure compressed air drives energy-storing expanders 2.

DESCRIPTION—FIG. 10—Ninth Alternate Embodiment

The ninth alternate embodiment of this invention is the preferred embodiment of this invention with the addition of flywheel 43, pre-compressor 36, pre-compressor valve 37, high pressure compressed air storage tank 38, storage tank selector valve 39, high pressure check valve 40, clutch A 44, clutch B 45 and cooler 41.

OPERATION—FIG. 10—Ninth Alternate Embodiment

The ninth alternate embodiment of the invention operates the same as the preferred embodiment of the invention except that when energy-storing expander 2 slows down it activates clutch A 44 that turns flywheel 43. Thereafter, when extra power is needed clutch B 45 activates, flywheel 43 runs pre-compressor 36, and pre-compressor valve 37 switches the input of multi-stage-intercooled compressor 4 to the output of cooler 41. At the same time storage tank selector valve 39 switches the input of heat exchanger high-pressure side 7 from compressed air storage tank 5 to high-pressure compressed air storage tank 38.

High pressure check valve 40 keeps the high pressure compressed air in high-pressure compressed air storage tank 38 when energy-storing expander 2 is using lower pressure.

During normal operation air enters the engine through air inlet 3, is compressed in multi-stage-intercooled compressor 4, stored in compressed air storage tank 5, and heated with heat from the exhaust by heat exchanger 6 as it passes through heat exchanger high-pressure side 7. The resulting hot compressed air drives energy-storing expanders 2. When the engine slows down it activates clutch A 44 that turns flywheel 43.

During high performance operation air enters the engine and is compressed in pre-compressor 36, cooled in cooler 41, compressed further in multi-stage-intercooled compressor 4, stored in high-pressure compressed air storage tank 38, and heated with heat from the exhaust by heat exchanger 6 as it passes through heat exchanger high-pressure side 7. The resulting hot high-pressure compressed air drives energy-storing expanders 2.

DESCRIPTION—FIG. 11—Tenth Alternate Embodiment

The tenth alternate embodiment of this invention is the preferred embodiment of this invention with the addition of flywheel 43, clutch A 44, high pressure compressed air storage tank 38, storage tank selector valve 39, high pressure check valve 40, post-compressor 42, clutch B 45, and cooler 41.

OPERATION—FIG. 11—Tenth Alternate Embodiment

The tenth alternate embodiment of the invention operates the same as the preferred embodiment of the invention except that when energy-storing expander 2 slows down it activates clutch A 44 that turns flywheel 43. Thereafter, when extra power is needed clutch B 45 activates, and runs post-compressor 42. At the same time storage tank selector valve 39 switches the input of heat exchanger high-pressure side 7 from compressed air storage tank 5 to high-pressure compressed air storage tank 38.

During normal operation air enters the engine through air inlet 3, is compressed in multi-stage-intercooled compressor 4, stored in compressed air storage tank 5, and heated with heat from the exhaust by heat exchanger 6 as it passes through heat exchanger high-pressure side 7. The resulting hot compressed air drives energy-storing expanders 2. When the engine slows down it activates clutch A 44 that turns flywheel 43.

During high performance operation air enters the engine through air inlet 3, is compressed in multi-stage-intercooled compressor 4, cooled in cooler 41, compressed further in post-compressor 42, stored in high-pressure compressed air storage tank 38, and heated with heat from the exhaust by heat exchanger 6 as it passes through heat exchanger high-pressure side 7. The resulting hot high-pressure compressed air drives energy-storing expanders 2.

CONCLUSION

The “Energy Storing Engine” has the following advantages:

It changes its size, that is the amount of air processed each stroke, while the engine is operating.

It can operate at constant speed with a varying load

It operates on a very efficient thermodynamic cycle.

It operates with more than or less than complete expansion.

Heat is added to the compressed air at constant volume so that more work can be done with the heat that is added.

It changes the amount of air expanded by the engine to match the engine power to the load requirements.

When the load slows down it saves the inertia work and reuses it.

It is quiet.

The compression and the expansion volumes are separated. The heat from one does not effect the other. 

1. An internal combustion engine, comprising a multi-stage-intercooled compressor, a means to drive said compressor, a heat exchanger, a power output shaft for attaching a load, and one or more similar energy-storing expanders, each energy-storing expander comprising; a) an energy storing chamber; b) a movable wall inside said energy storing chamber; c) an inlet valve; d) a means for moving said movable wall; e) a means to increase the heat in said energy storing chamber; f) a cylinder, with said energy storing chamber at one end; g) a power piston in said cylinder which moves in a reciprocating manner h) a means to move said power piston to near the energy storing chamber end of said cylinder; i) a means to keep said power piston near the energy storing chamber end of said cylinder while compressed air is moving into said energy storing chamber; j) a means to keep said power piston near the energy storing chamber end of said cylinder while heat is added to the compressed air, and to transfer pressure forces on said power piston to said power output shaft; k) an exit valve.
 2. The engine of claim 1 wherein an adjustable stop that limits the movement of said moveable wall is used to regulate the amount of compressed air into said energy storage chamber.
 3. The engine of claim 1 wherein said means for moving said movable wall one way and also compressing a spring is the compressed air moving into said energy storage chamber, the means for moving said movable wall the other way is said spring.
 4. The engine of claim 1 wherein said means for moving said movable wall one way and also compressing a trapped compressible fluid is the compressed air moving into said energy storage chamber, the means for moving said movable wall the other way is said trapped compressed fluid.
 5. The engine of claim 1 wherein said means for moving said movable wall one way is a spring, the means for moving said movable wall the other way is compressed air moving into said energy storage chamber.
 6. The engine of claim 1 wherein said means to move said power piston to near the energy storing chamber end of said cylinder, is a telescoping connecting rod connected to a crank on said power output shaft.
 7. The engine of claim 6 wherein said telescoping connecting rod is extended by the force of fluid inside it.
 8. The engine of claim 1 wherein said means to keep said power piston near the energy storing chamber end of said cylinder while compressed air is moving in is a lock.
 9. The engine of claim 1 wherein said means to keep said power piston near the energy storing chamber end of said cylinder while heat is added to the compressed air, and to transfer pressure forces on said power piston to said power output shaft is a telescoping connecting rod connected to a crank on said power output shaft.
 10. The engine of claim 1 wherein said means to move said power piston to near the energy storing chamber end of said cylinder, is a push rod moved by a cam on said power output shaft;
 11. The engine of claim 1 wherein said means to keep said power piston near the energy storing chamber end of said cylinder while compressed air is moving in is a push rod moved by a cam on said power output shaft;
 12. The engine of claim 1 wherein said means to keep said power piston near the energy storing chamber end of said cylinder while compressed air is moving in is pusher piston connected to a crank on said power output shaft.
 13. The engine of claim 1 wherein said means to keep said power piston near the energy storing chamber end of said cylinder while heat is added to the compressed air, and to transfer pressure forces on said power piston to said power output shaft is a pusher piston connected to a crank on said power output shaft.
 14. The engine of claim 1 wherein said means to move said power piston to near the energy storing chamber end of said cylinder, said means to keep said power piston near the energy storing chamber end of said cylinder while compressed air is moving in, and said means to keep said power piston near the energy storing chamber end of said cylinder while heat is added to the compressed air, and to transfer pressure forces on said power piston to said power output shaft is a wobble plate.
 15. The engine of claim 1 wherein said means to drive said compressor is a variable speed transmission.
 16. The engine of claim 1 wherein said means to drive said compressor is said energy-storing expander of claim one with its power output shaft connected to said compressor.
 17. The engine of claim 1 wherein said means to drive said compressor is an electric motor.
 18. The engine of claim 1 wherein said load when slowing down engages a clutch that drives an electrical generating device which charges a battery.
 19. The engine of claim 18 having a pre-compressor driven by an electric motor, a valve to select the input to said compressor from either said pre-compressor and cooler or from the ambient air; a low pressure compressed air storage tank, a high pressure compressed air storage tank, a check valve, and a valve to select the input to said heat exchanger high-pressure side from either said low pressure compressed air storage tank or said high pressure compressed air storage tank.
 20. The engine of claim 18 having a low pressure compressed air storage tank, a cooler, a post-compressor driven by an electric motor, a high pressure compressed air storage tank, a valve to select the input to said heat exchanger high-pressure side from either said low pressure compressed air storage tank or said high pressure compressed air storage tank.
 21. The engine of claim 1 wherein said load when slowing down engages a clutch that drives an inertia energy storage device.
 22. The engine of claim 21 having a pre-compressor driven through a clutch by said inertia device, a valve to select the input to said compressor from either said pre-compressor and a cooler or from the ambient air; a low pressure compressed air storage tank, a high pressure compressed air storage tank, a check valve, and a valve to select the input to said heat exchanger high-pressure side from either said low pressure compressed air storage tank or said high pressure compressed air storage tank.
 23. The engine of claim 21 having a post-compressor driven through a clutch by said inertia device, having a low pressure compressed air storage tank, a cooler, a high pressure compressed air storage tank, a valve to select the input to said heat exchanger high-pressure side from either said low pressure compressed air storage tank or said high pressure compressed air storage tank.
 24. The engine of claim 1 having a compressed air storage tank between said multi-stage-intercooled compressor and said heat exchanger
 25. An engine operating on a cycle where air is compressed at near constant temperature, heat is added from regeneration at near constant pressure, energy is stored, heat is added at near constant volume, the air is expanded at near adiabatic conditions, the stored energy is used, the air is expanded at near adiabatic conditions, heat is rejected to regeneration, and heat is rejected to ambient. 